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Joe Strout posted on October 5, 2007, 3:58 pm
I've just read Dave Cook's chapter in "Robot Building for Beginners" on
making couplers. I have exactly such a need as he describes: a surplus
gearhead motor with a D-shaft, to which I want to connect a LEGO wheel
(actually, a LEGO bevel gear which will drive a gear connected to the
wheel, but once you get to LEGO parts it's all the same).
Now, his solution of making a custom coupler out of nested tubing is
clever and appears to be a high-quality solution. It is also, probably,
just barely, within my mechanical skills to do (though I'd need to get a
drill press). And it's true, as many of you know, that I am a
cheapskate on a tight budget.
However, lately time is even shorter than money, and making these
couplers looks like a serious chore. I'd be happy to pay a couple bucks
each to save myself the trouble.
So: is there anywhere I can buy couplers on the net, for common input
and output shaft sizes, for not-too-ridiculous prices?
Thanks,
- Joe
--
"Polywell" fusion -- an approach to nuclear fusion that might actually work.
Learn more and discuss via: <http://www.strout.net/info/science/polywell/>
making couplers. I have exactly such a need as he describes: a surplus
gearhead motor with a D-shaft, to which I want to connect a LEGO wheel
(actually, a LEGO bevel gear which will drive a gear connected to the
wheel, but once you get to LEGO parts it's all the same).
Now, his solution of making a custom coupler out of nested tubing is
clever and appears to be a high-quality solution. It is also, probably,
just barely, within my mechanical skills to do (though I'd need to get a
drill press). And it's true, as many of you know, that I am a
cheapskate on a tight budget.
However, lately time is even shorter than money, and making these
couplers looks like a serious chore. I'd be happy to pay a couple bucks
each to save myself the trouble.
So: is there anywhere I can buy couplers on the net, for common input
and output shaft sizes, for not-too-ridiculous prices?
Thanks,
- Joe
--
"Polywell" fusion -- an approach to nuclear fusion that might actually work.
Learn more and discuss via: <http://www.strout.net/info/science/polywell/>
pogo posted on
Re: buying pre-made couplers?
Jameco's Robot Store has some at this link. They are for .25" shafts:
http://www.robotstore.com/store/default.asp?catid 61
I found that page (been at thier site many times before) by Googling this:
shaft couplers robotics
Also, Gordon McComb's book "Robot Builder's Sourcebook" nad/or his column in
Servo magazine is a goldmine of info just like this.
Best of luck !
JCD
Re: buying pre-made couplers?
Well yes, but the point here isn't to couple two shafts of the same size
-- it's to couple two shafts of different sizes.
Actually, it's not at all clear to me what this item actually does:
<http://www.robotstore.com/store/product.asp?pidI0&catid 61>
What does it couple to what, exactly? It's got a funny shape, as if one
side is intended to plug into something, but the description (such as it
is) doesn't say what.
Best,
- Joe
--
"Polywell" fusion -- an approach to nuclear fusion that might actually work.
Learn more and discuss via: <http://www.strout.net/info/science/polywell/>
Re: buying pre-made couplers?
Yep - I agree it doesn't describe the purpose very well at all. The point is
to be able to use 2 different size shaft couplers,
but the "funny shape" matches up in the middle and interlocks the 2 shafts,
as well as adding a little tolerance for misalignment, etc.
The photo at this link should make it clear:
http://www.stepperworld.com/images/Couplers.jpg
This shows 2 couplers of the same size, but you can have different sizes
bores but the middle part (rubber spider) is same size for each coupler.
Gordon McComb posted on
Re: buying pre-made couplers?
Without knowing the diameters you're talking about or the torques
involved it's hard to provide some suggestions. But for overall
store-bought solutions try Stock Drive or Small Parts.
-- Gordon
Wayne C. Gramlich posted on
Re: buying pre-made couplers?
Joe:
I will tell you how I make my shaft adaptors. I use a drill
press and a some taps. I know this is not a direct answer to
your question, but I figure some other people can benefit
even if you do not. Fair enough?
I start with some hex aluminum stock and cut off a short piece.
I make three scribes across the stock to find the center.
Using a center punch, I put a dimple in the center.
I clamp the hex stock vertically into the vice and select a
drill that is the same size as the smaller shaft. I drill
all the way through the stock. Next, I select a drill that
is the same size as the larger shaft. Without removing the
stock from the vice, I drill half way down the stock. The
small shaft will fit snuggly from the bottom, and the the
large shaft will fit snuggly from the top.
Now, I rotate the stock 90 degree and drill two small holes
for two set screws. Using the appropriate sized taps, I tap
the holes and install the set screws. If set screws are not
available, I use a regular screw, it does not matter.
-Wayne
fenoble posted on
Re: buying pre-made couplers?
My experience is, fitting a surplus motor to a wheel of random choice
is pretty much a custom job. The coupler that you saw at Jameco is
most likely designed for a specific wheel or motor.
You can get an idea of what it does and how you can make one by seeing
below:
Enjoy......
Re: buying pre-made couplers?
Joe, would having some tubing that you would simply drill out the center to
the appropriate diameter be within your skill set ? If so, I can think of an
easy solution to your problem and could come up with a kit for you to test.
If you're interested I'll provide more contact info later.
JCD
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